Uterine transplants: a new frontier in science

Researchers, including some from IU, are studying procedure than could benefit thousands

11:51 PM,
Dec. 17, 2011

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In the early days of infertility research, scientists -- flush with the promise of transplant medicine -- wondered whether replacing the uterus would help women who were unable to conceive. But less invasive treatments proved feasible, and such research fell by the wayside.

Now, a handful of researchers, including some at the Indiana University School of Medicine, are exploring whether uterine transplants might be able to help women who lack a womb to bear children.

Thousands of women could benefit, but practical and ethical questions remain. When should elective transplants be used? ...